SimCity players continue to experience server problems with the high demand for the game. And in the midst of the chaos, EA has announced that it will disable the Cheetah speed, as part of its aim to disable non-critical gameplay features.

However, according to ArsTechnica, the Cheetah speed is necessary, so any slowing down, whether temporary or otherwise, is likely to create another, potentially different wave of complaints.

In the meantime, if you're one of the players who are now close to breaking point with the downtime, here are a few SimCity alternatives which you can play to pass the time.

Cities XL

This is potentially the closest game to SimCity that you can enjoy. First introduced in 2009, it has a newer version released in 2011, but surpisingly called Cities XL 2012.

According to VentureBeat, you still exercise Creator-like powers as you create commercial areas, divide zoning areas, and even tier your residents into four types from unskilled workers to the elites.

The upside? You can still play the game offline.  If only SimCity 5 can enable this feature.

Civitas

Designed for the PC and Mac, Civitas, a Kickstarter project by Brandon Smith and his team of developers, is basically the same as SimCity.

It's a simulation game tailored for 3D building cityscapes, and, as GameInformer reports, it also includes terraforming, mod support, and both single and multiplayer modes.

But one of its major advantages over SimCity is that it is DRM free, so you can play it anytime, anywhere.

Tropico 4

From Haemimont Games and Kalypso Media comes Tropico 4, TechShout reports that you can have the time of your life playing El Presidente in your own island and maintaining the political standing as you brace the test of nature.

Play any of the 20 missions on 10 maps, which you can fill with 20 new buildings while trying to survive natural disasters -- all available for under $40.

SimCity 4

This is still a viable option, despite the newest installment. Plus, it can be good practice, too.

You get to practice your building strategy and money management, which is crucial for the latest SimCity, considering how it takes into account your citizens, instead of just the building experience, reports EuroGamer.

SimCity 4 lets you have a taste of more serious playing compared to its earlier installments. And while there's no 3D effect, you still get to enjoy the template landscapes, zoning powers, and overall building prowess.

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